What are the basic principles of ayurveda?
Since Ayurveda recognizes a common origin for the universe and for humanity, Ayurveda teaches that nature consists of three primary qualities called gunas. These three gunas — Sattva, Rajas and Tamas — are inner qualities that exist behind all material forms in nature. Another great theory is of the five gross elements (Panchamahabhutas) — space, air, fire, water, and earth — and that the entire universe is governed and composed of these five elements. The entire physiology is made up of seven tissues (Dhatus) – plasma, blood, muscle, adipose tissue (fat), bone, bone marrow, and reproductive tissue. From the sap of all tissues, Ojas, the ultimate refined product of digestion and metabolism, which connects one’s physiology with consciousness and is responsible for greater immunity, is formed.
Ayurveda is bestowed upon us by our ancestors, who were eminent and wiser and having insight into our being. Basically Ayurveda is Health promotive – preventive – curative and nutritive – all self contained. The two principle objectives of Ayurveda are : (a. ) “Swasthyas swasthya rakshanam” – To prolong life and promote perfect health ( add years to life and life to years ) (b. ) “Aturasya vikar prashamanamcha” – To completely eradicate the disease and dysfunction of the body.
